The character of Annie Wilkes in MISERY (1990) – chillingly portrayed by Kathy Bates in her Academy Award®-winning performance – is recognized by AFI as one of the great villains in cinematic history. After previous film adaptations of his work had proven disappointing, author Stephen King initially refused to sell the rights to “Misery,” which he considered a highly personal novel. The author changed his mind, however, when director Rob Reiner expressed interest, as Reiner had previously directed STAND BY ME – King’s favorite adaptation of his own work to that time.
Visit the AFI Catalog to learn more about MISERY.
